Can a 2015 be updated to 2018 power delivery?

[kolosy]

Been reading up on the early models (had a 2018 comp back a few years ago, looking at a 2015 now)

I know there’s a lot of talk about the early models having power delivery issues.. is that just software/tuning or were there hardware changes later too? If just software, can it be updated to the later years?

[theweebabySeamus]

The older ones are regarded as having better power delivery, or at least stronger low end which feels better (to some).

If you wanted to update an older car you could do the iStep update at the dealership or through a coder.

[RoundelM3]

My 2015 has zero power delivery problems...but then I've got a few mods. Even before installing them it was pretty strong.

[sabrina]

My 2015 seems to have power delivery issues when I don't have the traction nannies turned off. But then, it wants to spin the rubber clean off the tires. There's no happy medium.

[dmk08]

I owned a launch 2015 and a 2017 comp pack. I much preferred the big turbo hit feel of the 2015. They tried to smooth it out and make it linear but IMO it didn't feel as good.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Been reading up on the early models (had a 2018 comp back a few years ago, looking at a 2015 now)

I know there’s a lot of talk about the early models having power delivery issues.. is that just software/tuning or were there hardware changes later too? If just software, can it be updated to the later years?

I'm super happy with the power characteristics on my '15 with stock mechanicals. Good low end torque. Have not driven a later one.

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Been reading up on the early models (had a 2018 comp back a few years ago, looking at a 2015 now)

I know there’s a lot of talk about the early models having power delivery issues.. is that just software/tuning or were there hardware changes later too? If just software, can it be updated to the later years?

It's firmware - if you update to a later iStep it'll smooth everything out.

[m3rxn]

My 15 f82 was very strong pre-tune stage 1. Great low end pull.

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I owned a launch 2015 and a 2017 comp pack. I much preferred the big turbo hit feel of the 2015. They tried to smooth it out and make it linear but IMO it didn't feel as good.

100%, if I sold my CS I'd be back in the hunt for another 2015 hopefully unmolested.

When I was thinking of selling my G82, I specifically went looking for a 2015 and wound up with 15' F80. Loved that car and wouldn't have sold it except for the gorgeous CS which popped up on the same dealer lot.

[saint80]

I actually drove a 100% stock 15 M3 and a stock 18 M3, both with executive packages. I actually liked the way the 15 pulled over the 18 (I am NOT saying the 18 is slower, just felt like smoother power delivery on the 15). That is just me though and my M3 is no longer stock

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

just get a tune

[hC1001]

If you update the istep version on the whole car, it will change the tune of the car. I found the newer tune to be flat and lacking low end torque. I went with a bootmod3 stage 1 tune to correct it. The steering feel did improve with the newer version though.

[Monkey Throttle]

Are we comparing to the ZCP which wasn't available in the earlier models - with additional HP?

[alex2364]

Had a ‘17 M4 ZCP and now a ‘20 M4 ZCP. Both completely stock. Prefer the power delivery of ‘20 because it’s smoother and more linear.

[Drifter2090]

Love the torque shove of my 2015 car. You could always just flash the GTS tune and switch back to stock if you want the 2015 powerband again.